A Preliminary Study of Occupational Therapy Staff concerning the Use of Computers in Their Profession

Abstract

Fifty-one occupational therapy staff, working in Salisbury Health District and the corresponding Wiltshire Social Services Area, participated in a study investigating their perception of occupational therapy, computers and computer use within the profession. Information was collected by interview and purpose-designed questionnaire upon 11 variables (personal, professional, and computer experience) of potential influence. Results indicated that most respondents perceived occupational therapy as having important and/or unique features, mainly with regard to patient care, and held a range of opinions about computers in general. The majority anticipated computer use in occupational therapy affecting the profession, generally in a beneficial direction, and cited a potential range of effects upon both patients and staff. The findings indicate a need for further investigation of occupational therapy staff's perception of computers, their use within the profession and their potential for influence, both in areas of current use and beyond.